Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2017 15:25:13 -1000
From: Mark Dross <stateofblues@gmail.com>
Subject: Loving Conor, Chapter 19

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Loving Conor - Chapter 19

A shaking bed and another pillow fight marked the beginning of my morning
and the end of a late night. I stuck my pillow over my head and tried to go
back to sleep, only to have it disappear.

"Babe..."

"I'm sorry, B, I grabbed the wrong one. I've no idea how you could sleep
through that... them, anyway."

Conor's statement was followed by laughter and a barrage of pillows tossed
back onto our bed.

"We weren't the only ones, jackass."

"You were at 4am, air biscuit."

More laughter and pillow missiles followed the verbal taunts from Sean and
Conor as I recovered my briefs from the nightstand and sat up. Sean and
Luke were wrapped around each other, covered with just a small portion of
the sheet. There were quite a few moans and grunts through the night, but
talking and crying as well. I heard enough to know that Sean needed no
prompting to be honest with Luke about his past. I got up to answer
nature's call and brush my teeth, then walked back into the bedroom to see
Conor taking pictures of the two lovebirds.

"That's... unexpected."

Conor smiled from behind the camera. "Inspiration typically is, B."

As usual his subjects weren't being posed, but were instead trying
unsuccessfully to hide from the lens. The sheet was pulled back and forth,
covering and uncovering faces, hips, thighs, butts, and boners like a game
of body-part peekaboo. Conor moved in close, capturing the many hickeys and
bite marks on Luke's torso. Sean finally tossed the entire sheet over the
offending photographer and the two made a dash for the bathroom. The door
closed then quickly opened again with Luke poking his head out, yelling "I
want copies!"

When Conor didn't come out from under the sheet, I lifted a corner. "Did
you find inspiration under there too?"

I saw his smile in the light of the camera. "It's easier to see the images
under here. Come look."

Never willing to turn down an invitation to get under the sheets with my
love, I crawled next to him. Conor flipped through numerous shots taken so
closely in succession that it reminded me of an old flip-book.

"Do you normally take so many?"

"Not always, but it's a good way to capture a spontaneous moment... like
this one."

My mouth fell open. At some point during the struggle to hide behind the
sheet, Sean and Luke's eyes met. The longing between the two boys was
apparent and undeniable. Sean and Luke held the cloth tight between
them. With their taut muscles, Sean's bandages and bruising, and the
love-marks on Luke, it looked as though they had fought their way through
hell to be together.

"Wow, babe, you do amazing work."

"Thanks, B, but I can't really take the credit. Life gives us the moments,
I just have a way to capture them."

"Well, it looks like you captured some tough love."

"Great caption, do you mind if I use it?"

Conor's voice was heavy with emotion.

"Of course you can. Are you okay?"

"Yes... it's... he deserves to be happy."

"I kissed Conor's cheek. "He does, and I think he's on a good path now."

"He still has to face Aid... that monster in court."

"We'll be there for him, and it looks like Luke will too. He'll be okay,
babe."

"I know he will, and no small thanks to you. You accepted him despite our
past... even when I didn't. You literally saved his life, but maybe more
importantly gave him hope in humanity again. He adores you, B, and so do
I."

A lump formed in my throat and a tear in the corner of my eye. "I um, I
just believe in the good nature of people. It's come back to bite me
before, but it's as much who I am as my reflection in the mirror. I guess I
get it from my mother. It definitely wasn't from my father. No one gets
anywhere with him until they've proven themselves, and very few ever do."

"We haven't talked about your parents before. I presumed you would when you
were ready."

"Well, we don't exactly have a close relationship. I tried to stay in touch
with my mom, but it's nearly impossible to get through the barriers that
the General has built."

"General?"

"My dad. I was a military brat through and through. He tried to stuff me
into his mold, but I broke it over and over again. We butted heads at every
corner until I finally left home."

"Did... did he ever hurt you?"

"Not in the same way your father did. Aside from an occasional boot to the
ass, which I deserved more often than not, he never laid a hand on me. The
scars he left are on my heart. All I ever wanted was his love and all I
ever got was his disapproval and a cold shoulder."

"And your mom?"

"She was very loving, but... it's probably harder being the General's wife
than it is his son. He has a reputation to live up to and she's always done
her best to uphold it. Unfortunately for me that meant honor and duty over
motherhood."

"Do you think they'll come to our wedding?"

"I wasn't planning on inviting them."

"Why not? I'll bet you invited them to your wedding with a girl."

"Whoa, babe, It's not like that."

"Then how is it, because it sounds like you're..."

"I am not ashamed of you, and if it takes getting married in a rainbow gown
in my parents front yard to prove it, I'll buy the plane tickets right
now!"

"Ahem... I was going to say it sounds like you're being judgmental. I know
you're not ashamed of me, silly."

"Oh... oh good. I would have done it though."

"Maybe you should give them another chance. You know... belief in the good
nature of people and all... or is that only selective belief?"

"Ouch, babe. Maybe you should consider a career as an attorney. I'll think
about it but no promises."

"Why are we still under this sheet?"

"I have no idea, but I need a kiss now."

"Ewww... I need to brush my teeth first, and I'm about to piss my pants."

"Oh, sorry. I think the boys are in the shower."

"Your modesty is cute, B. I'll be right back."

_________

I knew Conor was right. It wasn't fair of me to extend my beliefs to
strangers and not my own family, but inviting the General to my wedding was
not likely to happen, and mom would never go without him. Echoes of my
childhood rang through my memories like the sound of clanking pots during a
bad hangover...

"You'll never amount to anything!", "You good for nothing, brat!", "Don't
be so stupid!", You can't do anything right, can you?", "You are a waste of
perfectly good air, boy!"

I saw the pain in my mother's eyes, but "Oh, Frank, you're too harsh with
him." was never enough to help. I had considered it once... becoming a
soldier. It was the same day he said it... "You are no son of mine!", and
the same day I left.

No... it wasn't loving Conor that caused me shame. I actually had never
invited my parents to my wedding with Julie because I was ashamed of him. I
was ashamed of my own father.  _________

A vibration in my pocket pulled me from my melancholy past.

"Hello, Brandon speaking."

"Mr. Cavendish. It's been awhile. How are you, and more importantly, how is
Sandra?"

"Good, good. Happy wife, happy life, right?"

"Yes, it's true, I'm in Florida now. It was just time for a change you
know?"

"Actually, I'm not with another firm. I was thinking about striking out on
my own."

"Of course I remember it."

"Seriously, that would be a great opportunity, but it wouldn't be right to
take you from..."

"Oh, you already talked with Roger?"

"Yes, he is a good guy."

"I absolutely want it. You know how much I enjoy classic designs."

"Modern Gothic? Challenge accepted, my friend!"

"No, no, I can meet you there. Just have someone call me with the details."

"I will, give Sandy my best."

Goosebumps rose on my skin as the call disconnected. Richard Cavendish had
been a long time client of my previous firm. A down to earth guy with a
beautiful wife, Rich ran a corporate empire which included everything from
car washes to casinos. Rich and I clicked during the first project he
brought to the company. He had nearly backed out entirely, put off by the
trend of the boxy, boring, designs of the time. New to the firm, I wasn't
even asked to submit a draft, so I snuck mine in under the radar... or more
precisely, under the lunch plate I was tasked with serving him. Had it not
been for scoring the deal, I would have been fired that day. Instead, I
started the first of many designs for Rich; a publishing house in
Indianapolis, which was now being expanded and relocated to Buffalo, and
would become my first solo project.

"A penny for your thoughts, B."

I had in fact been so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear him enter the
room. I had a tendency to get that way with my work, which drove Julie nuts
until she realized that I wasn't intentionally ignoring her. I made a
mental note to ensure I talked with Conor about the topic before it caused
an argument. At the moment, however, I was too excited to get that many
words out.

I wrapped my arms around the beautiful man in front of me, then lifted him
up and spun around. Conor wrapped his legs around my waist and kissed
me. Had it not been for the two boys who walked out of the restroom, I
would have taken him then and there.

Luke smiled at our performance. "What's the celebration about guys?"

Conor shrugged and looked down at me... making me wish I had a way to
capture the almost childlike look of curiosity in his sparkling eyes.

"Well, I'm no longer unemployed! Have you ever been to New York, babe?"

Conor shook his head. His expression going from inquisitive to frightened
in a heartbeat. I caught my mistake quickly.

"That's where the next building I'm designing will be located. I'll just
need to make a few trips there... you too if you want."

His brilliant smile returned, followed by another kiss from my Love and
pats on the back from Sean and Luke. Afterwards, the two boys gathered
their things and tidied the room. Conor and I stood, once again staring at
the mattress, wondering how to deflate it. Sean realized what we were
doing, but had other ideas.

"Can I leave it, and the guitars? Luke is coming back for the weekend and
it wouldn't do to have him at my place with our mothers there."

Conor's eyes rolled, but the corners of his mouth lifted as I nodded my
approval. Luke followed up Sean's request. "We'll try not to be so noisy
next time."

He didn't take his eyes off me as he replied to the request... his smile
morphing to that seductive grin that would forever be my weakness...  "Aye,
but we can't make the same promise."

The stiffy forming in my pants was an indication of the power in that
grin... as was Sean's comment to Luke.

"Take me home, lad, while I can still control myself. Or else I'll drag you
back to bed and make you miss your classes."

If it wasn't for the call he received, we may all have ended up back in
bed. I literally had to shake my head to break the trance as Conor picked
up his phone and walked into the bathroom for privacy.

Sean met my eyes with a knowing glance. "He's an Incubus, I tell you, and
this one too.", referring to Luke who had the same damn grin.

I smiled and nodded. "We're doomed, aren't we?"

"Aye, but it'll be a fun ride to destruction then."

"Yes it will."

As it so often does, the realities of life put a temporary end to our
fun. It was time for Luke to get back to school, and Sean to get back to
recovering. We all stopped by the kitchen for coffee and glazed donuts,
then grabbed Luke's dirty laundry from Sweets and made our way toward the
front door... then froze in our tracks. Sam caught sight of Luke and Sean
holding hands, and stood with arms crossed and an intense stare in the
middle of the Common room.

"Seriously Luke? We need to talk!"

Luke shook his head and pulled Sean close. "No, not with that attitude."

Sam raised an eyebrow and tapped her foot. "You don't know what you're
getting yourself..."

The venom in his voice surprised me as Luke snapped back. "I know more than
you do, and it's none of your damned business!"

Sam turned her accusing gaze in mine and Conor's direction, but before she
could say anything, Sean stepped forward.

"This is about me. Can we talk alone, please?"

Without a word, Sam did an about-face and walked toward the bar with Sean
following.

Luke started after the two, but I held him in check and received a look of
betrayal for it.

"Hey, I'm on your side. I know you want to defend yourself, but you're
emotional right now. Give Sean a chance, okay?"

Luke's tone could shatter a diamond. "I've put up with her treating me like
a baby for too fucking long! It ends today!"

Conor stepped in and pulled Luke's chin up until the two were eye to
eye. "You know why she's overprotective, Luke. It can end today, but not
like this. You'll crush her, and I know that's not what you want."

Luke's face and tight muscles relaxed. "I'm sorry, but I can't live under
his shadow anymore and I don't know what else to do."

It was obvious that I was out of the loop, but whatever the two were
talking about seemed serious. Conor whispered something to Luke, who nodded
and looked up at me.

"We had an older brother, Max. He got mixed up with a girl who was into
drugs, and would climb out his window to see her until he got caught. My
dad bolted his window shut, so one night Max climbed out of Sam's window
instead. She knew he was doing something wrong but he talked her into
keeping it a secret. They... they found his body two days later in an
abandoned warehouse. We found out later that he died from a heroin
overdose. I barely remember him, but she can't forget."

It seemed that crying was going to become an hourly thing for me. I wiped a
tear away and put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "She needs to forgive herself,
not forget him, Luke. Sam was just a little girl, with no idea her
brother's actions would cause something so terrible. She needs to know
she's not responsible for what happened to him."

"Maybe she'll listen to you, because I've told her, my parents have told
her, psychologists have told her, and she hasn't listened to..."

Everyone turned to the sound of sobbing, and to see Sam's face buried in
Sean's chest. Sean held Sam tenderly and spoke soft words we couldn't hear.

Conor echoed my thought. "I think the right person may have just told her,
Luke. You should go to her now."

Luke walked over and took Sean's place. The rest of us went out to Luke's
car and waited, giving him the time he needed with his sister.

Though we didn't pry for information, it wasn't hard to tell we were
curious. Sean shrugged his shoulders at our silence and spoke up.

"I decided she needed all of the facts before condemning me. It turned out
that we had a thread of something in common."

"She told you?"

Sean nodded. "About Max, yes... after I told her about my father."

"So, she's okay with you seeing Luke, then?"

"She didn't say, but I'll not let Luke slip away so easily. I'm done
playing victim to the cruelties of men and I refuse to let their actions
define me!"

I smiled at his resolve. "Those are great words, my friend. It's good to
hear you're moving on."

Conor put an arm around Sean's shoulders. "Aye, well said brother."

Sean grinned. "I have my moments."

We waited anxiously until Luke finally came out of The House, headed
straight for Sean and kissed him. Nothing more was revealed about Sam's
response as hugs went around and goodbyes were said. The battered car
started right up, then drove away.

I put my arm around Conor's waist and sighed. "Well... I thought he would
tell us what Sam said, but I guess it doesn't matter, does it?"

"It'll matter if Sam is still pissed off. We may become the next piņatas
for bringing Sean into Luke's life."

"Luke would have warned us if that were the case... or at least I hope
so. Maybe we should lay low for awhile. Do you have any plans for today?"

"Clarissa wants to meet with us about the dance school, and of course Jim
is coming home this afternoon. Other than that, I should probably make some
calls and get some work flowing again."

"We should see if Rose is available to sign the contract. I'm sure having a
studio would go a long way in helping the workflow. Speaking of the studio,
you haven't mentioned it once since she handed you the key."

"I didn't want to seem greedy... plus I'm still having trouble wrapping my
head around it. Why would she give the building to people she hardly
knows?"

"You think it's too good to be true?"

Conor shrugged. "She did take the key back."

"I expect she needs the key until the deal is done, and Rose knows things
about people they don't even know about themselves. Once in a great while,
something too good is actually true... like meeting you, or better yet,
being engaged to you. I'm still waiting to wake up in my bed in Arizona,
only to find out it was all a dream."

Conor grabbed the back of my neck. I felt his rich, full lips against mine
and his soft tongue slip into my mouth. Light, darkness... the universe and
everything in it faded away, then... a sharp pain on my nipple brought me
back.

"Ouch, babe!"

"Would a dream me do that, B?"

"That's exactly what a dream you would do. And a dream me would spank a
dream you for giving me a dream titty twister."

"A dream you would have to catch me, and everyone knows you can't run for
shite in your own dream."

"A dream me... Oh forget it and kiss me again, dream you."

We went back into The House fully expecting to be cornered by Sam, but
didn't see her. I called Rose and arranged for her to meet with us at noon,
while Conor called Clarissa who would meet with us an hour earlier. With
some time to kill before our meetings, Conor took me to his favorite
clothing store.

Living out of a single suitcase had run its course, but nearly everything I
owned was sitting in a shipping container somewhere in Arizona. What I
thought would be a simple, quick, task turned out to be anything but. Julie
had purchased all of my outfits without me even stepping foot in a store,
which was apparently reflected in my lack of style. I had tossed a few
pairs of shorts and some shirts in a basket, only to have most of them
removed when I wasn't looking. I feigned checking out another shirt, then
quickly turned around.

"Ha! Just what do you think you're doing?"

Conor jumped slightly and tried to act casual, tossing a pair of shorts
back into the basket. "Nothing, just looking."

I put on my best stage face. "Lies! Our relationship is built on lies!"

Conor put a hand over his face and shook his head. "Fine, I'm trying to
save you from the 70s... or whatever era those shorts are from."

"I thought that style was in again."

"It can't be in again if it was never in before, B."

"Did I get anything you like?"

"The socks are fine."

"There aren't any sock... very funny, babe. Just for that, you get to be my
official clothing picker-outer."

After trying on a few things, I had to admit Conor's sense of fashion
looked good on me. I was on my third trip to the changing room, modeling
outfits and getting hornier with each smile of approval. Although the
dressing rooms hid what needed to be hidden, the bottom of the door was
raised and an attendant stood watch for shoplifters. It would have been
very apparent if we decided to get frisky, so Conor stayed on the outside
and we didn't risk the temptation.

Just as I thought I was finished, a pair of shiny blue shorts with white
trim was handed to me underneath the doorway. The short length and high
gloss fabric was a sure throwback to the 80s. Conor stood expectantly as I
cracked the door to ensure someone hadn't handed them to the wrong person.

"Are you just messing with me, babe? These look like my running shorts from
middle school."

"Those are back in style."

Conor waved a hand to shoo me back in, then caught the door before it
closed, whispering, "No briefs under those."

I put the almost too tight shorts on then fumbled to conceal my half hard
dick, making it even harder until the outline was visible enough to see
veins. I finally gave up and opened the door but didn't step out.

"Don't you think these are a bit revealing, babe?"

Conor smiled. "Yes... yes I do. That's why I'm getting these for me." The
thought of Conor in the pair of shamrock green shorts with black trim he
held made my cock twitch. I grinned but quickly closed the door as a mother
and little girl passed by, headed to their own changing room.

Finally finished, we made our way through the checkout counter and out of
the store. I spotted another store across the street and off we went. Once
inside, I noticed Conor didn't look quite as comfortable.

"Have you ever owned a suit, babe?"

Conor looked around the room and shook his head.

"You'll need one if you're going to New York with me. We'll have our
measurements taken, then pick what we want and come back for the finished
product."

Conor looked skeptically at me.

"Don't worry, babe, I know what I'm doing in here."

Though he seemed a bit uncomfortable, there was no complaining as Conor
stood patiently for his measurements. Afterward, I told the salesman what
the suits were for and let him suggest a few options. We ended up with one
pair of slacks and two jackets each, then picked out some nice shirts,
ties, and shoes. Conor had been a bit quiet so I prodded him on the way
back to Sweets.

"So, what did you think about the suits?"

"Aren't they kind of expensive?"

"I suppose if you were wearing one every day they would be. Just think of
them as an investment in my career... maybe yours too."

"I'll try for you, B, but I've never really thought of myself as a suit
kind of guy."

"I didn't realize there was such a thing. Besides, you're going to look
outrageously hot in yours."

"If you say so, B."

"I know so. Just wait, you'll see."

We met Clarissa at the same diner where I had lunch with Rose. Funds to
rebuild the school had started off strong but had slowed to a
trickle. Clarissa maintained her hope, however, and had met with us to
brainstorm.

Since we would be eating lunch with Rose later, I ordered bloody marys and
a shrimp cocktail appetizer for everyone. We tossed a few small ideas back
and forth until deciding on something larger. Conor came up with the idea
of the girls putting on a fundraiser. After all, who can resist cute little
girls? The boxes of cookies that filled my cupboard each year was proof
that I couldn't. I made a call to an old client and well-known conductor
from Miami who agreed to rally his group to play at the event. Clarissa
called in a local singer who had gained a large online following. Our
biggest hurdle was finding a place with enough room to accommodate the
number of people we hoped would show up. We settled on asking Sean about
the possibility of using one of the company warehouses.

Rose arrived just as Clarissa was leaving. I noticed her studious eyes as
she passed by the young dancer.

"The girl from the poster?"

"Clarissa, yes."

"I almost didn't recognize her without the grim countenance. She seems
hopeful, yet something is still bothering her."

I filled Rose in on our progress and the delay. "We're halfway there, but
contributions have all but stopped. We're planning a charity concert with
the ballet group, an orchestra, and at least one singer. Hopefully giving
the public an opportunity to see the girls dance will pick things back up
again."

As usual, Rose's smile warmed the room. "I like the determination and the
idea. Hopefully I can attend."

Rose slid the contract and a pen across the table.

Conor took the contract, but seemed hesitant, receiving a nudge from Rose
for it.

"Go on, don't be shy."

"Sorry, it's... there's only a place for my signature. Shouldn't we both be
signing it?"

"If I recall, you were the one saving for the building."

"Yes, but whatever is mine is his. Including the studio."

Rose smiled. "I thought you might say that, so I came prepared."

A second document was presented, which Conor signed then passed to
me. After I signed, Rose slid the key to Conor's hand. Before any words of
thanks could be given, Rose changed the subject.

"Conor, how much is needed to finish the dance school?"

"Around one-fifty. It would be more but Brandon is doing the design work
and a construction company offered to volunteer the labor."

Rose sat quiet for a moment, tapping her finger on the table before a large
smile crossed her face. "I would like to help as well, and I'll trust you
two not to make a big deal of it. I will match every cent that is raised at
the show. If there is a deficit, I will try to make up for it. If there is
a surplus, the money will go towards supplies for the school until it's
gone."

I saw Conor wipe a tear from his eye as he managed to choke out a few
words. "I... I don't know what we did to deserve all of this, but thank
you."

Rose's eyes glassed up before replying. "Sometimes it's not about getting
what we deserve, but about being true to what has been given us and passing
it on. We can't take it all with us you know?"

All of the clues came together to form a single fact... a fact that hit me
in the chest like an arrow.

"How long, Rose?"

Her eyes bored into mine until she knew I had figured it out, then Rose
waved a hand as if shooing away a fly.

"Oh a month, a year, who knows really? Now that I've got my affairs in
order and knowing the boutique is in good hands, I can finally let go."

Conor caught on. "Let go? You're not saying..."

"Yes, yes, there's no reason to be squeamish about it. We're all dying,
Conor. Some of us sooner than others, but that's how it works."

Conor pushed the key in Rose's direction. "Here, take it back then. I would
rather have you."

Rose's countenance melted. "You, sweet, sweet, young man. My heart is
failing and nothing will change that, but yours... your heart is why I
chose you. I knew it the first time I saw your photographs. You simply
cannot capture the true beauty of life and love without having a spirit of
love yourself. The boutique, that ring, and now the dance school are my
legacy... a legacy of love. Only love will last forever, Conor, and someday
you will pass it to another generation. I can't make any guarantees, but
there is one thing that I would like to do if time permits. If I may be so
bold as to ask to give a blessing at your wedding?"

I took Rose's hand. "Actually, Rose, we were hoping you would be the one to
officiate our wedding. We can have someone there to make it legal, but it
would mean a great deal if you would do it."

Rose blinked tears from her eyes. "I... look at me, for once in my life I
don't know what to say. Yes, yes, it would make me happy to do so. Though
you may want to have a backup plan just in case... you know..." Rose ran a
finger across her throat, generating a gasp from Conor and a stifled
chuckle from me.

"On that note, maybe you'll let me buy that lunch I owe you. Shall we start
with dessert first?"

Over lunch, Rose kept us captivated with stories of her past and
present. Though she appeared to be a solitary woman, Rose counted a handful
of close friends who met with her daily. She spoke about childhood memories
of her grandfather, whom she called "Papa G.", saying that she never knew
the prestigious celebrity he had become, only a sweet man who would hang on
her every word, then laughed saying, "That was no small feat, let me assure
you!" She told of her special relationship with Marco and the happy times
they shared together. She brought us to tears of laughter when she
explained how she got kicked out of the senior's card club... "It seems
that my talent for reading people wasn't appreciated on poker night." I
noticed that much of her storytelling was aimed at comforting Conor over
her impending circumstance. Rose's life was a simple message... Live and
Love, and it was impossible to leave the table with thoughts of anything
else.

The drive back to The House was quiet, but not somber. Conor twisted the
ring on his finger then smiled and rested his hand on my thigh. As we
pulled into the driveway, conversation turned to the business at hand. By
request of the guests, the event of the night was Cosplay, which was
something neither of us had any experience with. Conor had hired a company
that offered a full package including costumes, props, and two of their own
professional role players. Although our next encounter with Sam was
potentially hazardous, we tracked her down as soon as we returned to go
over the event details. Sam seemed to be her normal self and mentioned
nothing about Luke or Sean... which was unsettling to me. I really didn't
want to wait for the other shoe to drop, but didn't feel comfortable
bringing the topic up either. I decided the task was best left to Conor
when he was ready. Sam offered to show us some videos of Cosplay parties to
get a feel for the event. Conor accepted but I declined saying I had some
business to take care of. The statement was true, but the business I had in
mind was personal, not professional.

Fortunately the card table and chairs were still in Conor's room. After
pulling the studio drawings from my suitcase, I sat down to check my work
and tweak a few things. Though the building was technically both of ours,
it was Conor's dream, and I would need his input to go any further. I was
just about to go find my Love when my phone chimed with a text from Tom.

"Heads up, bro. Ur gf is back."

I scrunched my eyebrows. Tom's message was confusing, not because of his
shorthand, but because of the content.

"I don't have a girlfriend, Tom. Who are you talking about?"

"The hot babe with the twin bro, and she chatting up Conor."

Though I found his warning unnecessary, I smiled at Tom's loyalty.

"Thanks for having my back, Tom."

"Always bro. See ya."

I took a deep breath and shook my head. My best guess was that Rachel and
her brother were the two Cosplay roleplayers come early to set things up,
or Sam had invited them back. Either way I hadn't done anything wrong and
shouldn't have anything to worry about.

... or did I?

Why was Rachel talking to Conor? She had come on strong and made no attempt
to hide her desire for me. Had I let my guard down and told the girl too
much? Was she now using the information in an attempt to sabotage my
marriage? Was my innocent talk with a beautiful girl being twisted into a
lie of passionate sex? Had the goddess forgotten my face the moment she
laid eyes on "the face of an angel" and was now attempting to enchant him?

Unable to think of any good reason for that Succubi to be talking to MY
Love, it was up to me to put an end to her madness! I stood up to leave the
room...

The door flew open then slammed shut. Conor covered the short distance
between us far quicker than any response I could possibly come up with,
then grabbed the front of my shirt in his clenched fists. Veins stood out
on his biceps, stretching the fabric of his white shirt sleeves as he
nearly pulled me off my feet. With absolute trust, I stayed calm and
offered no resistance, looking into his eyes. I saw no malice in those
beautiful eyes, only deep, passionate desire.

Even if I wanted to, there was no escaping the steel trap holding me... or
the lips that were both hard and soft on mine... no time for questions to
be asked as I was pushed backward until my legs hit the bed... as my
clothes were being ripped off... or as I was forced face down into the
mattress. I felt the full weight of his body on mine, his hot breath in my
ear, his teeth on my neck and shoulder. I felt his lips as they kissed down
my spine... his hands as they caressed then spread my ass cheeks... his
tongue as it pressed against my hole, greedily licking and probing until my
soft moans became a frantic cry for more. If I was being punished for
something I hadn't done in the first place, I wasn't about to spoil it by
telling the truth.

A short pause and a sliding drawer were clues to what was next, and the
sound of lube being pumped left no doubt. A moan escaped my lips when the
slimy gel covered my quivering manhole... another moan as each of three
fingers slipped in. I had no idea how bad I needed to be filled... how
desperately I needed his perfect cock inside me until that moment. My body
shuddered when his thick cockhead brushed over its target. I relaxed,
knowing and trusting the man behind me as he pressed against my love
hole. The sound of air being sucked between my teeth made him pause... so I
pushed back until his cockhead popped inside. My eagerness was rewarded by
a single thrust and another inch or two of cock... but it wasn't enough. I
buried my face into the sheet, bit down, and pushed back again... screaming
into the bed until his balls laid heavily against my skin...

Conor grabbed my hips and slid his cock from my ass then pushed back in. No
drug could compete with the high I was on as I felt his manhood gliding
back and forth inside me. My breath calmed to match his purposefully steady
rhythm... until I lifted my hips to meet his thrust and felt his cockhead
slam hard against my prostate. The moan I let out sent a message that was
read loud and clear. Conor's thrusts became wild and frantic, sending
shockwaves through my entire body. I grabbed the sheet in my fists and held
on as he mercilessly pounded my asshole.

The near paralyzing grip of my orgasim started in my abs, then reached out
to grab my balls. I let out a guttural warning... then was promptly lifted
and tossed onto my back. Conor pushed my knees toward my head and climbed
back on, filling me once again with his manhood. Drops of sweat dripped
down his rippling chest and abdomen as powerful legs pumped his body in an
almost snake-like dance. The sight did little to help control the
inevitable torrent of cum rising through my dick... nor did the flood of
hot cum overflowing from my hole. My next growl was muffled by my lover's
lips as he fell into my arms. Our bodies quaked together as each shot left
my cock, spraying our faces and adding to the flavor of his kiss.

The kiss continued after collapsing into each other's embrace... silently
catching our breath. I kissed away a drop of cum from his angel face, then
found my voice.

"Damn, babe. That was... intense."

Conor wiped sweat from his eyes and looked at me.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself."

"I obviously didn't mind, but what triggered the barbarian mode?"

"I met a friend of yours out there."

"Rachel. My spy network told me she was here."

"She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met, B."

I leaned on my elbow and wiped a lock of hair from his face.

"I won't say I disagree with you unless I'm being tested, then I totally
disagree with you."

"Tested? You chose me over her even though I was being a prick. I kicked
you out of my life and you were still faithful."

"I will always choose you, Babe, and not even a goddess can change that."

Conor rolled into me, gently touching my lips with his fingers.

"That's why I came in here... why I had to have you."

 "Now you have me curious, just what did Rachel say?"

"She saw the ring and said to give you her congratulations, but I could see
the disappointment in her face. When I asked how she knew you, she told me
about the other event... that she tried her best but all you would do was
talk about me. Then she told me how rare it is to find someone as devoted
as you are... but I already knew that."

"She seems to have a heart to match her beauty. I sincerely hope she finds
someone."

"If... if I hadn't come back to you. Would you...?"

"If I survived losing you, I don't think there would be enough of me left
to love her."

Conor fell back and covered his eyes with his forearm.

"I was so stupid for pushing you away!"

I pushed his arm away and pulled his face back to mine.

"Hey. No one calls my Love stupid and gets away with it... not even you."

"But..."

"Stop, babe. We both had a part to play in that, not just you. Let's get
cleaned up. You can fill me in on the event, then there's something I want
to show you."

There was far more kissing than washing during our shower together. With
every passing day, every trial we faced, and even the smallest detail we
learned about each other, Conor and I grew closer. The truth was that
Rachel never stood a chance over my love for the man in my arms. As I ran
my fingers through his hair once again, all the stresses of life rolled
away like the water drops from his golden mane. I found myself longing for
the moment that he would place a ring on my finger, and we could officially
call each other... husband.

With our shower finished, I dried Conor's back and told him about the
drawings that were laid out on the table, and the day I met Rose. Just
before we walked out to peek into our new life together, both our phones
went off at the same time... another warning from Tom.

"Heads up. Blackbeard is in The House, and looking for you guys!"

I reached my phone first. "Okay, who is..."

Conor hopped in a circle and nearly dropped his phone. "Shit, shit, shit!
He's here! Get dressed!"

I followed Conor as he raced to his closet. "Who is here, babe?"

Conor's reply came as he attempted to stick his head through the sleeve of
his shirt. "Tom... umph... calls Jim Blackbeard!"

"It can't be Jim, he's not due in for two more..."

A thumping at the door and an unmistakable, very pirate like, voice yelled
out.

"Conor, are you in there, lad?!"

I wanted to say there was nothing to panic about... that Jim would be
totally okay with the fact that his cousin was sleeping with and engaged to
his godson... but the only thing that came out of my mouth was...

"Shit, shit, shit!"

--------------------------------

To be continued...